Cardiovascular imaging system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention include a laser catheter that includes a catheter body, a light guide, and a distal tip that extends beyond the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, an imaging device is disposed on the distal tip such that the imaging device is distal relative to the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, the imaging device can be gated to record images during and/or slightly beyond periods when the laser catheter is not activated.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 12/337,232 filed on Dec. 17, 2008, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.11/228,845 filed on Sep. 16, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/611,191 filed Sep. 17, 2004. Each ofthese disclosures are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Arteries are the primary blood vessels that are responsible forproviding blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Arterial disease occurswhen arteries become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque (as someexamples, atherosclerotic plaque or other deposits). When the blockageis severe, the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle is reduced,causing chest pain. Arterial blockage by clots formed in a human bodymay be relieved in a number of traditional ways. Drug therapy, includingnitrates, beta-blockers, and peripheral vasodilatator drugs to dilatethe arteries or thrombolytic drugs to dissolve the clot, can beeffective. If drug treatment fails, angioplasty may be used to reform orremove the atherosclerotic plaque or other deposits in the artery.

Traditional balloon angioplasty is sometimes used to address theblockage by inserting a narrow, flexible tube having a balloon into anartery in the arm or leg. The blocked area in the artery can bestretched apart by passing the balloon to the desired treatment site andgently inflating it a certain degree. In the event drug therapy isineffective or angioplasty is ineffective or too risky (oftenintroduction of a balloon in an occluded artery can cause portions ofthe atherosclerotic material to become dislodged, which may cause atotal blockage at a point downstream of the subject occlusion, therebyrequiring emergency procedures), the procedure known as excimer laserangioplasty may be indicated.

Excimer laser angioplasty procedure is similar in some respects toconventional coronary balloon angioplasty. A narrow, flexible tube, thelaser catheter, is inserted into an artery in the arm or leg. The lasercatheter contains one or more optical fibers, which can transmit laserenergy. The laser catheter is then advanced inside the artery to thetargeted obstruction at the desired treatment site. After the lasercatheter has been positioned, the laser is energized to “remove” theobstruction.

In many procedures, the lesion is often engaged similar to conventionalballoon angioplasty by crossing the blockage with a guidewire. The lasercatheter's thin, flexible optical fibers facilitate the desiredpositioning and alignment of the catheter. Using the excimer laser, theclinician performs a controlled blockage removal by sending bursts ofultraviolet light through the catheter and against the blockage, aprocess called “ablation.” The catheter is then slowly advanced throughthe blockage reopening the artery. If there are multiple blockages, thecatheter is advanced to the next blockage site and the above step isrepeated. When the indicated blockages appear to be cleared, thecatheter is withdrawn.

Due to the configuration of the optical fibers in most prior art lasercatheters, the clinician is able to ablate only material that istypically directly in front of the distal end of the catheter. Thus, thedebulked tissue area is limited to an area approximately the size of theoptical fiber area at the distal end of the catheter. Typically,follow-up balloon angioplasty is recommended.

Imaging during atherectomy or angioplasty procedures often usesfluoroscopy imaging techniques for targeting and ablation of blockages.Fluoroscopy, however, has limitations. For example, does not allow adoctor or technician to visualize plaque or vessel walls.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward laser catheters. In oneembodiment, a laser catheter can include a catheter body, a light guide,a distal tip, and an imaging device disposed distal relative to the exitaperture of the light guide. The catheter body, for example may includea central axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter body mayalso include a lumen disposed between the proximal end and the distalend, the lumen having an opening at the distal end. The light guide mayalso include a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, thelight guide may also include at least one fiber optic and may at leastpartially be disposed within the lumen and/or movable therein. Thedistal tip may be positioned at the periphery of the catheter body andmay extend from the distal end of the catheter body. The imaging devicecan be disposed on the distal tip, for example, at a position distalfrom the exit aperture of the light guide. The distal tip may alsoinclude a guidewire lumen that includes a guidewire port at the distalend of the distal tip. A retaining wire may also be used in someembodiments and can be coupled with the distal tip and slidably coupledwith the light guide. A balloon, for example, may be positioned betweenthe opening at the first distal end of the catheter body and the distaltip.

Some embodiments of the invention can also include a balloon catheter.The balloon catheter can include a catheter body, for example mayinclude a central axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The catheterbody may also include a lumen disposed between the proximal end and thedistal end, the lumen having an opening at the distal end. The ballooncatheter can also include a light guide that may also include a proximalend and a distal end. In some embodiments, the light guide may alsoinclude at least one fiber optic and may at least partially be disposedwithin the lumen and/or movable therein. The balloon can be disposed atthe radial exterior of the catheter body. In use, for example, theballoon can be inflated such that the balloon makes contact with avessel wall. Contact with the vessel wall can move the distal tip of thecatheter away from vessel wall toward an opposing vessel wall.

Some embodiments of the invention can also include an imaging catheterthat gates imaging during ablation. For example, an imaging catheter caninclude a light guide coupled with a laser and an imaging devicedisposed distally relative to the light guide exit aperture.

During operation, in some embodiments, images from the light guide canbe filtered and/or gated while the laser is activated. In otherembodiments, the imaging device can be deactivated during ablation.

The following detailed description, together with the accompanyingdrawings, will provide a better understanding of the nature andadvantage of the embodiments disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a laser catheter system according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show examples of laser catheters with a distal imagingdevice according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of a laser catheter according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of a balloon laser catheter according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 3A along line A-A.

FIG. 4B shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 3A along line B-B.

FIG. 4C shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 3A along line C-C.

FIG. 4D shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 3A along line D-D.

FIG. 4E shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 3A along line E-E.

FIG. 4F shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 3B along line F-F.

FIG. 5A shows a side view of a laser catheter with a ramp according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of an engaged laser catheter with a rampaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 5A along line A-A.

FIG. 6B shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 5A along line B-B.

FIG. 6C shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 5A along line C-C.

FIG. 6D shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 5A along line D-D.

FIG. 6E shows a cross section of the catheter in FIG. 5B along line E-E.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a balloon catheter with the balloondeflated according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B shows a side view of a balloon catheter with the ballooninflated according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a balloon biasing catheter according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B show a cutaway view of a balloon biasingcatheter in use within a vessel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart describing one embodiment for using a biasingcatheter.

FIG. 12 is another flowchart describing another embodiment for using abiasing catheter.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart describing another embodiment for using a biasingcatheter in conjunction with an imaging device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a laser catheter thatemploys an imaging device. In some embodiments, the imaging device isdisposed distal (or forward) relative to the exit aperture of the lasercatheter. In some embodiments, the laser catheters can employ gatingtechniques to ensure that laser pulses don't interfere with imaging.Other embodiments include laser catheters that include balloons or rampsthat can deflect the exit aperture of the laser catheter.

FIG. 1 shows a laser catheter system 100 in use according to oneembodiment. A laser 130 is shown coupled with a user interface 180. Inthis embodiment the user interface 180 is computer programmed to controlthe laser 130. The laser, for example, may be an excimer laser. Thelaser, for example, may also produce light in the ultraviolet range. Thelaser is connected with a catheter 170 that may be inserted into avessel of the human body 110. The laser catheter system 100 may employone or more tapered waveguides that guide laser light from the laser 130through the catheter 170 toward a target.

FIG. 2A shows laser catheter 200 with distal imaging device 260according to some embodiments. Laser catheter 200 can include a catheterbody 205 (or sheath) within which a fiber optic bundle 210 (or any otherlight guide) is disposed. Fiber optic bundle can include any number ofoptical fibers and, in some embodiments, can include a separate sheath.Catheter body 205 can include a distal end and a proximal end. Theproximal end of catheter body 205 can include a coupler that isconfigured to couple with a laser source as shown in FIG. 1. Theproximal end of the fiber optic bundle can also be coupled with thecoupler in order to receive and conduct laser light through the opticalfibers. The distal end of catheter body 205 includes opening 207 fromwhich the distal end of fiber optic bundle 210 extends.

As shown in FIG. 2A, imaging device 260 is disposed distal relative tothe exit aperture of optical light guide 210 (e.g., a fiber opticbundle). Light guide 210 can be disposed within sheath 205. In someembodiments, imaging device 260 can be disposed on eccentric distal tip213. In other embodiments, imaging device 260 can be disposed on anaxially placed distal tip. Distal tip can also extend In yet otherembodiments, imaging device 260 can be disposed distal relative to theexit aperture of light guide 210 in any configuration. In someembodiments, imaging device 260 can be positioned at least 0.4, 0.5,0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 cm longitudinally (or forward) from the distalend (or exit aperture) of light guide 210.

Imaging device 260, for example, can be an ultrasonic device such as anIntracoronary/Intravascular Ultrasound (ICUS/IVUS) device, which canemploy very small transducers arranged on a catheter and provideselectronic transduced echo signals to an external imaging system inorder to produce a two or three-dimensional image of the lumen, thearterial tissue, plaque, blockages, and/or tissue surrounding theartery. These images can be generated in substantially real time and canprovide images of superior quality to the known x-ray imaging methodsand apparatuses. Other imaging methods and intravascular ultrasoundimaging applications would also benefit from enhanced image resolution.An ultrasound device, for example, can include a flexible polyimide filmlayer.

Imaging device 260 can be coupled with a number of wires and/or fiberoptics that extend through catheter body 205 toward the proximal end ofcatheter 200. For example, for IVUS imaging devices, seven braided wirescan be used. Some or all of these wires, for example, can have adiameter less than 0.01 inches.

FIG. 3A shows laser catheter 300 according to another embodiment of theinvention. Laser catheter 300 can include a catheter body 205 (orsheath) within which a fiber optic bundle 210 (or any other light guide)is disposed. Fiber optic bundle can include any number of optical fibersand, in some embodiments, can include a separate sheath. Catheter body205 can include a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end ofcatheter body 205 can include a coupler that is configured to couplewith a laser source as shown in FIG. 1. The proximal end of the fiberoptic bundle can also be coupled with the coupler in order to receiveand conduct laser light through the optical fibers. The distal end ofcatheter body 205 includes opening 207 from which the distal end offiber optic bundle 210 extends. Fiber optic bundle can include a markerband 211 at the distal tip of the fiber optic bundle that can includeany number of sizes and/or shapes. Marker band 211, for example, caninclude a radiopaque material.

Catheter body 205 can include tip 213, that extends from opening 207. Insome embodiments, tip 213 can be coupled with catheter body 205. Inother embodiments, tip 213 can be integral with catheter body 205. Insome embodiments, tip 213 can support the distal end of fiber opticbundle 210. Fiber optic bundle 205 can include a guidewire lumen thatextends through a portion of the catheter body. During use guidewire 215can be positioned within a vessel, laser catheter 200 can be threadedover guidewire 215 using the guidewire lumen in order to direct thecatheter through a vessel toward a target. In some embodiments,guidewire lumen can extend through at least a portion of tip 213.Retaining wire 216 can extend from the distal tip of fiber optic bundle210 and be coupled with tip 213. In some embodiments, retaining wire 216and guidewire can be the same wire.

In some embodiments, tip 213 can also include an imaging device 260disposed at the distal end of tip 213. Imaging device 260 can be locatedat least 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 cm longitudinally (orforward) from the distal end (or exit aperture) of fiber optic bundle210. Any type of imaging device can be used.

Imaging device 260 can include any ultrasound sensor or laserinterferometry device. A laser interferometry device can include aplurality of fiber optics with an exit aperture disposed near the distalend of the laser catheter and extending through a sheath of thecatheter. Imaging device 260, for example, can be formed cylindricallyaround tip 213 as a patch, or a ring. In some embodiments, imagingdevice 260 can include any shape or size.

In some embodiments, balloon 227 can be disposed between fiber opticbundle 210 and tip 213. In FIG. 3A balloon 227 is in the deflated stateand not shown. Balloon 227 can be coupled with a balloon tube that canbe used to inflate and/or deflate the balloon. Balloon tube can extendproximally through at least a portion of catheter body 205. In someembodiments, a balloon tube coupler can be provided that allows a doctorto attach a syringe (or other device) that can be activated to inflateand/or deflate the balloon. FIG. 3B shows an example of laser catheter300 with balloon 227 inflated. As seen, balloon 227 can be inflated inorder to laterally shift the exit aperture of fiber optic bundle 210relative to tip 213.

FIG. 4A shows a cross section of catheter 300 along line A-A accordingto some embodiments. As shown, catheter body 205 surrounds a pluralityof fiber optics 217, guidewire lumen 240, balloon tube 230, and imagingwire bundle 235. In some embodiments, balloon tube 230 can have anoutside diameter of about 0.008, 0.009, 0.010. 0.011, 0.012, 0.013,0.014, or 0.015 inches. Any of these components may be included in adifferent combination or order, or excluded altogether. Guidewire 215 isshown within guidewire lumen 240. In some embodiments, balloon tube 235and/or guidewire lumen 230 can be disposed within a sheath and/or atube.

FIG. 4B shows a cross section of catheter 200 along line B-B accordingto some embodiments. In this embodiment, tip 213 includes balloon 206 ina deflated state. At some point, balloon tube 230 terminates within orat the boundary of balloon 206. Thus, balloon tube 230 can terminate ata number of different positions within balloon 206. Imaging wire bundle235 extends through balloon 206. The junctions of imaging wire bundle235 and balloon 206 can be sealed to ensure balloon inflates without aleak at the junction. Guidewire lumen 240 is placed concentricallywithin catheter body 205. In other embodiments guidewire lumen 240 canbe located anywhere within catheter body 205, for example, guidewirelumen can be disposed eccentrically with catheter body (e.g., as shownin FIG. 6B). In some embodiments, guidewire lumen 230 can extend throughballoon when a retaining wire is used.

FIG. 4C shows a cross section of catheter 200 along line C-C accordingto some embodiments. At this point, balloon tube 230 terminated withinballoon 206 and only wire bundle 235 is found within balloon 206. FIG.4D is a cross section of catheter 200 along line D-D showing imagingwire bundle 230 extending through tip 213 distal from balloon 206according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, guidewire lumen 230can extend through balloon when a retaining wire is used.

FIG. 4E is a cross section of catheter 200 along line E-E. Line E-E isdistal relative to probe 260. Hence, distal tip portion 207 onlyincludes guidewire lumen 240. In some embodiments, distal tip portion207 can have an inside diameter similar or slightly larger than theoutside diameter of guidewire lumen 240. FIG. 4F shows a cross sectionof catheter 210 in FIG. 3B along line F-F. Imaging wire bundle 235 isshown passing through balloon 206 while inflated.

In some embodiments, catheter body 205 may have a diameter ofapproximately 2.0 mm. Each fibers 217, for example, may be less thanabout 0.1 mm. As another example, the fibers may be less than about 0.05mm. The fiber optics may be contained within bundle 210. For example,bundle 210 can be about 1.0 mm by about 2.0 mm. Guidewire lumen 230, forexample, can have an inside diameter of approximately 0.024 inches andinside diameter of approximately 0.018 inches. In other embodiments,guidewire lumen 230 may have an outside diameter less than about 0.025inches and/or an inside diameter less than about 0.02 inches.

While a fiber optic bundle 210 is shown in the figures, any type oflight guide can be used. For example, a liquid light guide and or asolid light guide can be used in place of the fiber optic bundle withoutlimitation.

FIG. 5A shows a side view of laser catheter 500 with ramp 505 accordingto one embodiment of the invention. Imaging device 260 can be found atthe distal tip of the catheter body 205 forward (more distal) than thedistal tip of fiber optic bundle 210. Fiber optic bundle 210 can belocated at a first position relative to ramp 505 and can extend fromaperture 207 of catheter body 205. Fiber optic bundle can be actuatedforward into a second position as shown in FIG. 5B, such that distal endof fiber optic bundle 210 has actuated distally up and past ramp 505toward the distal end of catheter 500. Retaining wire 216 can provide arestraining force on the distal end of fiber optic bundle 210 in orderto keep the distal end substantially parallel with catheter body 205while in the second position. In some embodiments, guidewire 215 canextend through a guidewire lumen through catheter body 205. In otherembodiments, retaining wire 216 and guidewire 215 can be the same wire.

In some embodiments that include retaining wire 216, retaining wire 216may be detachably coupled with either or both distal tip 213 and/orlight guide 210. For example, retaining wire 216 may be connected withthe distal tip using solder, clamps, glue, fused, etc. In someembodiments, retaining wire is soldered with radiopaque marker band 211.In other embodiments, retaining wire 216 may be coiled around the distaltip and glued or fused with distal tip 213. In some embodiments,retaining wire 216 may be sandwiched between distal tip 213 andradiopaque marker band 211. In some embodiments, retaining wire 216 mayextend through a portion of light guide 210. For example, retaining wire216 may extend through light guide 210 next to and/or with a pluralityof optical fibers. Retaining wire 216 may aid in retaining the positionand/or bias of the light guide when light guide is extended up ramp 505.Retaining wire 216 may also aid in providing the proper bias when lightguide is extended up ramp 505. For example, retaining wire 216 may belengthened and/or include elasticity such that biasing catheter may bemore or less biased when light guide is extended up ramp 505. In someembodiments, retaining wire provides resistance to light guide 210 whenballoon 705 is inflated and/or when light guide is extended up ramp 505,which may align light guide 210 parallel with distal tip 213 and/orcatheter body 205.

Various other configurations of biasing laser catheters can be used. Insome embodiments, laser catheters described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,254,entitled “Rapid Exchange Bias Laser Catheter Design,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, can be used inconjunction with various aspects described herein. Similarly, the lasercatheters described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/406,807,entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Directional Delivery of LaserEnergy;” 12/265,441, entitled “Biasing Laser Catheter: Monorail Design;”12/337,190, entitled “Eccentric Balloon Laser Catheter;” and/or12/337,232, entitled “Rapid Exchange Bias Laser Catheter Design,” eachof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, canalso be used in conjunction with various aspects described herein. Forexample, laser catheters described in any of the documents incorporatedby reference can be implemented with a distal imaging device.

FIG. 6A shows a cross section of catheter 500 along line A-A. Catheterbody 205 surrounds a number of fiber optics 217, guidewire lumen 240,and imaging wire bundle 235. Any of these components may be included ina different combination, order, or excluded altogether. In someembodiments, guidewire lumen 240 can be positioned at any positionwithin the catheter body. In some embodiments, balloon tube 235 and/orguidewire lumen 230 can be disposed within a sheath and/or a tube. Insome embodiments, fiber optics 217 and/or guidewire lumen 240 can bebundled within a sheath. Thus, when the fiber optic bundle is actuatedforward fiber optics 217 do not tangle with balloon lumen 235. Moreover,balloon lumen, in some embodiments, can be embedded within catheter body205.

FIG. 6B shows a cross section of catheter 500 along line B-B. In someembodiments, guidewire lumen 217 is arranged eccentrically within fiberoptic bundle 210 as shown in the figure. Guidewire 215 is shown withinguidewire lumen 240. In other embodiments guidewire lumen 240 can belocated anywhere within catheter body 205, for example, guidewire lumencan be disposed concentrically within catheter body (e.g., as shown inFIG. 2B). Imaging wire bundle 235 also extends through this portion ofcatheter 500.

FIG. 6C shows a cross section of catheter 500 along line C-C. Thisportion of catheter 500 includes tip 213 that extend more distally fromaperture 207 and proximal to imaging device 260. Imaging wire bundle 235also extends through this portion of catheter 500. FIG. 6D shows a crosssection of catheter 500 along line D-D. This potion of catheter 500 isdistal with respect to imaging device 260 and only the guidewire lumen240 extends through this portion. FIG. 6E shows a cross section ofcatheter 500 along line E-E showing fiber optic bundle 210 having beenactuated up the ramp as shown in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of balloon catheter 700 with balloon 705deflated according to another embodiment of the invention. In thedeflated state, balloon catheter 700 is somewhat similar to catheter 200shown in FIG. 3A. However, balloon catheter 700 differs from catheter200 in that balloon 705 inflates radially as shown in FIG. 7B. In someembodiments, a physician can oblate blockage within a vessel (e.g., ahuman artery) using catheter 700. Catheter 700 can be positioned infront of the blockage with balloon 705 deflated. The laser can then beactivated. During lasing catheter 700 can ablate a central portion ofthe blockage roughly the size of the exit aperture of catheter 210. Inorder to ablate portions of the blockage near the vessel's interiorwalls, balloon 705 can be inflated and pressed against an interior wallwithin the vessel. The pressure against the interior wall can shift theexit aperture of catheter 210 toward the opposite interior wall withinthe vessel allowing catheter 700 to ablate material near the vessel wallby activating the laser. Catheter 700 can be rotated by the physician inorder to ablate the material near other portions of the interior wall ofthe vessel.

In some embodiments, catheter 700 can include imaging device 260 and inother embodiments imaging device 206 can be excluded. Similarly,catheters in some embodiments can include radiopaque band 211, whilecatheters in other embodiments do not.

FIG. 8 is a side view of balloon biasing catheter 800 according to oneembodiment. A balloon biasing catheter may include a catheter body 205(or elongated housing) with a light guide 210 disposed within a lumen ofcatheter body 205 and extending from an aperture within catheter body205. For example, light guide 210 may include a plurality of fiberoptics. As another example, the light guide may be a liquid light guideand/or a combination of a liquid light guide and a fiber optic lightguide. In some embodiments, the light guide is free to slide within thelumen of the catheter body. In some embodiments, the light guide lumenmay slide relative to the catheter body. In other embodiments, the lightguide may be fixed within the lumen of the catheter body. Light guide210 may be located within catheter body 205 and may extend from theproximal end of the catheter body to the distal end of the catheterbody. At the proximal end of the catheter body, light guide 210 mayterminate with laser coupler 715. The light guide lumen may include anaperture at or near the distal end of catheter body 205 from which lightguide 210 may extend. In some embodiments, light guide 210 may extend1-10 mm from the aperture. In some embodiments, light guide 210 may alsoinclude a radiopaque marker band 211 near the distal end.

A balloon biasing catheter may also include a guidewire lumen. Theguidewire lumen may be configured to allow a guidewire to pass and/orslide therethrough. In some embodiments, the guidewire lumen may extend,for example, from distal guidewire port through a portion of catheterbody 205. In some embodiments, the guidewire lumen may extend to or nearthe proximal end of catheter body 205. In other embodiments, guidewirelumen may extend from the distal end to a position proximal with thelight guide aperture and/or proximal with balloon 227. The guidewirelumen may be configured to accept a guidewire and allow the guidewire toslide within the guidewire lumen. Proximal guidewire port 720 may belocated anywhere along catheter body 205.

In some embodiments, catheter 800 can include balloon tube port 725 thatcan be coupled with balloon 227 via a balloon tube (e.g. balloon tube230). In some embodiments balloon lumen may couple with a luer fittingat balloon tube port 725. Balloon tube port 725 can be configured toaccept any type of syringe or pump that can pressurize and depressurizeballoon 227. For example, the inner diameter of balloon lumen may beapproximately 0.001 inches. In some embodiments, the inner diameter ofthe balloon lumen (or tube) may be between 0.0005 and 0.01 inches. Theoutside diameter of the balloon lumen, for example, may be 0.016 inches.In some embodiments, the outside diameter of the balloon lumen may be0.05 to 0.005 inches. At balloon port or luer, the balloon may becoupled with a syringe or an indeflator. Balloon 705 may be inflated byinjecting fluid through balloon lumen using either a syringe or anindeflator. In some embodiments, the balloon may be inflated using acontrast agent fluid or saline solution. The balloon lumen 1813 mayinclude any type of plastic tubing known in the art. For example,balloon lumen 1813 may comprise nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, etc.

Guidewire lumen port 720 can also be included. Guidewire lumen port 720can be coupled with guidewire lumen 240 and can allow a guidewire toextend through the distal end toward the proximal end of the catheter. Abifurcated cover can be used to separate the ports from the body of thecatheter.

FIG. 9A shows a cutaway of a balloon biasing catheter in use withinvessel 810 near target 805. The balloon biasing catheter may be insertedinto vessel 810 by following guidewire 215 that may have been previouslyplaced within vessel 810. Guidewire 215 may run through the guidewirelumen as shown in the figure. Balloon 705 is deflated in FIG. 9A. Lightguide 210 may be activated and a portion of target 215 may be ablated.FIG. 18B shows results of ablation of target 805 with the balloonbiasing catheter positioned as shown in FIG. 9A. Target 805 may not becompletely ablated leaving portions 806, 807. In some embodiments, ahole within target 805 may result.

FIG. 9B shows light guide 210 biased axially by inflating balloon 705.When balloon 705 is inflated, the laser catheter can be axially biasedtoward target portion 807. Moreover, balloon 705 may be partially orfully inflated as needed to align light guide 210 with target portion807. FIG. 10A shows a resulting example of ablation using theconfiguration in FIG. 9B. Target portion 807 has been at least partiallyablated. In some embodiments, target portion 807 may be completelyablated.

After ablation of target portion 807, balloon 705 can be deflated andthe catheter rotated within vessel 810 as shown in FIG. 10A. As shown inFIG. 10B, balloon 705 can be inflated positioning light guide 210 towardtarget portion 806. In some embodiments, balloon 705 may remain inflatedduring rotation. In some embodiments, balloon biasing catheter and/orguidewire 215 may be advanced during any of the ablation steps. In someembodiments, balloon biasing catheter may be rotated 90° or any otherangle in order to ablate other target portions and/or material near oradhering to a vessel wall. In some embodiments, during ablation as shownin FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B, imaging of the interior of vessel 810 canoccur using imaging device 260.

In some embodiments, laser catheters can include a balloon (e.g.,balloon 705). Such balloons, for example, can have a diameter of about 1mm to 3 mm when inflated. In some embodiments, balloon may have aninflated diameter up to about 5 mm and as little as 0.5 mm. In someembodiments, the balloon may comprise a portion of tubing with a sealeddistal end. In some embodiments, a portion of tubing may form theballoon and have thinner walls and/or a larger diameter such that theballoon portion of the tubing inflates under pressure. A balloon, forexample, may comprise any type of plastic, for example, the balloon maycomprise nylon, Teflon, polyethylene, etc. A balloon, in someembodiments, may extend the entire length of distal tip 213. Forexample, balloon 705 may be 10 cm, 9 cm, 8 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3cm, 2 cm, or 1 cm in length.

In some embodiments, a balloon can be used to deflect a light guide,fiber optic bundle and/or catheter body. In doing so, the balloon, forexample, may deflect the light guide, fiber optic bundle and/or catheterbody 205 1.0 mm. In other embodiments, the light guide, fiber opticbundle and/or catheter body may be biased 0.5 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5mm, 3.0 mm etc. from a deflated position. By biasing the light guide,fiber optic bundle and/or catheter body, the balloon biasing cathetermay ablate a larger diameter area than if the light guide is not biased.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a process for using a biasing catheteraccording to one embodiment. Various other processes may be used thatadd to or take away from the process shown in FIG. 11 and describedbelow. The proximal end of a guidewire is inserted through the distalguidewire port at the distal tip of the balloon biasing catheter atblock 1005. The balloon biasing catheter may then be inserted into avessel at block 1010 and slid over the guidewire and positioned near atarget at block 1015. At block 1020 the laser may be activated ablatinga portion of the target area. The balloon biasing catheter may beadvanced at block 1023. Once ablation is complete, the laser isdeactivated at block 1025. If portions of the target are not completelyablated, for example, if material remains near the vessel walls, thenthe balloon may be inflated at block 1030. When the balloon is inflatedthe distal tip of the balloon biasing catheter may be radially biasedyet substantially parallel with the balloon biasing catheter andpositioned to ablate unablated portions of the target. The laser mayagain be activated at block 1035 and portions of the target ablated. Atblock 1038 the balloon biasing catheter may be advanced toward thetarget. At block 1040 the laser is deactivated after a period of timeand the balloon deflated at block 1045. If the ablation area issatisfactory and no more ablation is required as decided at block 1050the balloon biasing catheter is removed at block 1060. However, if moreablation is required, the balloon biasing catheter may be rotatedaxially within the vessel at block 1055 and the process returns to block1030.

FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a process for using a biasing catheteraccording to one embodiment. This flow chart is substantially similar tothe flowchart shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, however, at blocks1123 and 1138 the light guide is advanced relative to the balloonbiasing catheter. In such embodiments, the catheter body remainssubstantially still as the light guide is advanced to ablate targetmaterial.

While FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are described in conjunction with a balloonbiasing catheter, other types of biasing catheters can be used. Forexample, biasing catheters as those shown in FIG. 5A can also be used.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart describing another embodiment for using a biasingcatheter in conjunction with an imaging device. Blocks 1005, 1010, and1015 are similar to those described above in conjunction with FIG. 11.According to some embodiments, once the bias catheter has beenpositioned within a vessel (e.g., at block 1015), the interior of thevessel can be imaged using an imaging device (e.g., an ICUS/IVUSdevice). In some embodiments, the image of the interior of the vesselcan be displayed on a display (e.g., the display associated withcomputer 180 shown in FIG. 1) such that a physician or doctor can viewthe interior of the vessel. In some embodiments, based on the imageprovided, the doctor can reposition the laser catheter.

At block 1210 if the laser is activated images produced by the imagingdevice can be filtered at block 1215. In some embodiments, the filteringcan occur in real time. In other embodiments, the filtering can occurafter the imaging has occurred. In some embodiments, filtering can occurby disabling the imaging device while the laser is activated. Moreover,imaging can be filtered for an extended period of time beyond the timethe laser is activated. Filtering can also occur at a display, suchthat, images produced while the laser is activated are not displayed toa user. If the laser is not activated at block 1215, the interior of thevessel can continued to be imaged at block 1210.

At block 1220, if the laser is not deactivated, images of the interiorof the vessel can continue to be filtered at block 1215. Otherwise, theprocess continues to block 1225. At block 1225, if the procedure is notcomplete, the process returns to block 1205, otherwise imaging ceases atblock 1230.

Various embodiments disclosed herein describe the use of an imagingdevice in conjunction with a laser catheter. Any type of imaging can beused. For example, the imaging device can include an ultrasound sensoror a laser interferometry device. A laser interferometry device caninclude a plurality of fiber optics with an exit aperture disposed nearthe distal end of the laser catheter and extending through a sheath ofthe catheter. The imaging device, for example, can be formedcylindrically, as a patch, or a ring.

An ultrasound device can include an Intracoronary/IntravascularUltrasound (ICUS/IVUS) device that can employ very small transducersarranged on a catheter and provides electronic transduced echo signalsto an external imaging system in order to produce a two orthree-dimensional image of the lumen, the arterial tissue, plaque,blockages, and/or tissue surrounding the artery. These images can begenerated in substantially real time and can provide images of superiorquality to the known x-ray imaging methods and apparatuses. Otherimaging methods and intravascular ultrasound imaging applications wouldalso benefit from enhanced image resolution. An ultrasound device, forexample, can include a flexible polyimide film layer.

In some embodiments of the invention, imaging can be gated while thelaser catheter is pulsing. Signal processing techniques can beimplemented (e.g. at computer 180 in FIG. 1) that filters out optical,mechanical, and electronic interference effects. An electron plasma canbe created within the vessel during ablation. This electron plasma caninterfere with imaging from an imaging device (e.g. imaging device 260).In some embodiments, electromagnetic interference can be avoided byfiltering out data during the set time period while the laser ispulsing. In other embodiments, filtering can occur for a longer durationsuch as for a period greater than the pulsing period. For example,filtering can occur 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% longer than the laserpulsing period in order to filter out any latent electromagneticinterference. For example, if the laser pulses laser light for 135 ns,filtering can eliminate imaging data during the 200 ns after thebeginning of the pulse and/or data capture can be delayed for 200 nsafter the beginning of the pulse.

Moreover, photochemical effects in an area ablated by a laser cathetercan remain for up to about 0.6 ms. Thus, imaging data recorded using aforward imaging device can also include filtering data recorded 0.4,0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.4 ms after the laser pulsehas begun. Thus, for example, signal capture (or data retention) canbegin after 1.0 ms after the beginning of the laser pulse. Delayingsignal capture until 1 ms after the laser pulse still allows for abetter than 10 frames per second data acquisition and signal processingeven operating at 80 Hz.

In some embodiments, elimination of data using filtering techniques canbe implemented in software operating at computer 180. In otherembodiments, dedicated electrical circuitry can be used to filter thedata after the data has been received. In some embodiments, datafiltering can occur well after the imaging data has been captured andrecorded. In yet other embodiments, filtering can occur in real time.That is, for example, the data from the imaging device can be ignored,deleted, or not displayed while the laser is active and/or during somepost activation time period. As another example, the imaging device canbe disabled during filtering periods. In other embodiments, gating canprevent images from being displayed on a display (e.g., a displayassociated with computer 180 shown in FIG. 1) while the laser catheteris activated.

In some embodiments, the laser can be electrically, mechanically, oroptically interrupted to allow for data acquisition. For example,imaging can occur at predetermined intervals during which laser pulsesare stopped to allow for better imaging. As another example, imaging canbe initiated by a doctor or technician. During this time, the laser canbe deactivated to allow for better imaging. Once imaging is complete,the laser can be reactivated and pulsing can recommence (whetherautomatically or manually).

Circuits, logic modules, processors, and/or other components may bedescribed herein as being “configured” to perform various operations.Those skilled in the art will recognize that, depending onimplementation, such configuration can be accomplished through design,setup, interconnection, and/or programming of the particular componentsand that, again depending on implementation, a configured componentmight or might not be reconfigurable for a different operation. Forexample, a programmable processor can be configured by providingsuitable executable code; a dedicated logic circuit can be configured bysuitably connecting logic gates and other circuit elements; and so on.

While embodiments of the invention are described herein with referenceto particular blocks, it is to be understood that the blocks are definedfor convenience of description and are not intended to imply aparticular physical arrangement of component parts. Further, the blocksneed not correspond to physically distinct components.

While the embodiments described above may make reference to specifichardware and software components, those skilled in the art willappreciate that different combinations of hardware and/or softwarecomponents may also be used and that particular operations described asbeing implemented in hardware might also be implemented in software orvice versa.

Computer programs incorporating various features of the presentinvention may be encoded on various computer readable storage media;suitable media include magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media suchas compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, andthe like. Computer readable storage media encoded with the program codemay be packaged with a compatible device or provided separately fromother devices. In addition program code may be encoded and transmittedvia wired optical, and/or wireless networks conforming to a variety ofprotocols, including the Internet, thereby allowing distribution, e.g.,via Internet download.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method comprising: positioning a laser catheterwithin a vessel, wherein the laser catheter includes a fiber opticbundle with an exit aperture; imaging the interior of the vessel nearthe distal tip of the laser catheter using an imaging device disposed atthe distal end of the laser catheter relative to an exit aperture of thefiber optic bundle, wherein the imaging device provides images of theinterior of the vessel; activating the laser catheter to ablate materialwithin the vessel; and gating the imaging device while the lasercatheter is activated.
 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein thegating includes disabling the imaging device.
 22. The method accordingto claim 20, wherein the gating includes deleting images recorded whilethe laser catheter is activated.
 23. The method according to claim 20,wherein the gating includes not providing images to a display while thelaser catheter is activated.
 24. The method according to claim 20,wherein the imaging device is an ultrasound imaging device.
 25. Themethod according to claim 24, wherein the ultrasound imaging devicecomprises a probe.
 26. The method according to claim 20, wherein theimaging device is disposed at least 0.9 cm from the exit aperture of thefiber optic bundle.
 27. The method according to claim 20, wherein thelaser catheter further includes a tip extending distally of from thedistal end of the catheter body.
 28. The method according to claim 27,wherein imaging device is disposed on the tip.
 29. The method accordingto claim 27, wherein the tip is disposed eccentrically to the lightguide.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein imaging device isdisposed on the tip.
 31. The method according to claim 27, wherein thelaser catheter further includes a catheter body and the fiber opticbundle is longitudinally moveable relative to the catheter body.
 32. Themethod according to claim 31, wherein the laser catheter furtherincludes a ramp disposed on the tip, wherein the exit aperture of thefiber optic bundle is slidably moveable relative to the ramp.
 33. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein the laser catheter furtherincludes a catheter body.
 34. The method according to claim 33, whereinthe fiber optic bundle is arranged concentrically about the central axisof the catheter body.
 35. The method according to claim 33, wherein thefiber optic bundle is arranged eccentrically about the central axis ofthe catheter body.
 36. The method according to claim 33, wherein thecatheter body further includes a guide wire lumen.
 37. The methodaccording to claim 36, wherein guide wire lumen extends through thecatheter body.
 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the lasercatheter further includes a tip extending distally of from the distalend of the catheter body.
 39. The method according to claim 38, whereinguide wire lumen extends through the tip.